American Journey Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe (Canned) Review

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Review of American Journey Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe (Canned)

According to our data, this American Journey recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

American Journey Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe (Canned) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of American Journey Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe (Canned), we'll examine all 36 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Lamb is a high-quality protein source that provides essential amino acids necessary for your dog's muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall health. It's also a good option for dogs with sensitivities to other protein sources, such as chicken or beef.

  2. Lamb broth not only enhances the flavor of the food, but also provides hydration and essential nutrients to your dog's diet.

  3. Lamb Liver is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.

  4. Sweet potato is a highly nutritious and easily digestible source of complex carbohydrates for your dog. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and immune function.

  5. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that promotes a healthy coat and skin.

  6. Tricalcium phosphate is used as a calcium supplement in dog foods, contributing to strong teeth and bones.

  7. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  8. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  9. Guar gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the guar bean, used to improve the texture of your dog's food. It also serves as a source of soluble fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and support overall gastrointestinal health.

  10. Cassia gum is a natural thickening and gelling agent derived from the seeds of the Cassia plant. It helps improve the texture of dog food, making it more appealing to your pet. It is also a source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.

  11. Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used in dog food to improve its texture and consistency. While it doesn't provide direct nutritional benefits, it can make the food more palatable and appealing for your dog.

  12. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  13. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  14. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  15. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

  16. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  17. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  18. Fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a source of omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health, joint function, and skin and coat health.

  19. Magnesium Sulfate is a source of magnesium, necessary for many biochemical reactions in your dog's body, including protein synthesis and nerve function.

  20. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  21. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  22. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  23. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  24. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  25. Cobalt proteinate is an organic form of cobalt, an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the production of vitamin B12, which supports your dog's metabolism and overall health.

  26. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  27. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  28. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  29. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  30. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  31. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  32. Potassium iodide is a chemical compound that can be used as a source of iodine in your dog's diet. Iodine is crucial for the proper functioning of your dog's thyroid gland.

  33. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  34. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  35. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  36. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed crude protein minimum of 9.00% is largely contributed by the primary ingredient, lamb. Lamb is a high-quality source of protein that supports muscle development and overall health in pets. Additionally, lamb liver is also rich in protein and contributes to this value. The inclusion of flaxseed may also add a small amount of plant-based protein to the product.

The crude fat minimum of 7.00% is likely due to the lamb, which naturally contains fat, as well as the added sunflower oil and fish oil. Both oils are high in essential fatty acids and contribute to the overall fat content, which is important for energy, cell function, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

The maximum crude fiber content of 1.50% is relatively low, indicating that this food is not high in indigestible plant matter. Sweet potatoes contribute some fiber to the diet, but given the low percentage, they are not present in large quantities. The flaxseed may also add to the fiber content, as well as the various gums (guar gum, cassia gum, xanthan gum) which are used as thickeners and may have some fiber content.

The caloric content of 1300.00 kcal per kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by all macronutrients - proteins, fats, and carbohydrates - but fats are the most calorie-dense. Therefore, the sunflower oil and fish oil, along with the fat present in the lamb, are likely the main contributors to the calorie content of the food. Sweet potatoes also provide carbohydrates, which contribute to the calorie count but to a lesser extent than fats.